Chemexfoliation also known as a Chemical Peel or Derma Peeling is a procedure known to transform skin from its not so perfect state to a smooth, glowing face. Sacrificing a couple of hours, and a couple dollars for clearer skin seems like the perfect transaction, but what are you really risking?

Chemical peels are a procedure that uses a chemical solution to smooth the texture of your skin by removing outer layers that may be damaged. As the solution is applied to the skin it peels and new skin grows in its place. Sounds simple? Well it goes without saying that the after math is quite painful, but what most people don’t know is that the acids used during the procedure can do permanent damage if they aren’t used correctly.

There are three levels of Chemical Peels, superficial, Medium, and Deep. Superficial peels use glycolic acid which exfoliates and breaks down matter that connects dead skin cells under the top layer of the skin. Glycolic acid can cause dry patches or excessively oily skin if the acid isn’t concentrated correctly according to skin pigmentation and intensity of imperfections.

Medium and deep peels are longer procedures which run greater risks of scarring. A deep peel uses Phenol or Trichloroaecetic acid, and requires the patient to be put to sleep and receive an IV being that the acid is highly toxic. The procedure is done in 15 minute intervals catering to each section of the face separately. Something that most people don’t realize is that medium and deep peels are second degree burns and should be treated as such. Upon receiving a chemical peel, if the patient doesn’t take their recovery seriously there can be permanent scarring, and excruciating pain. Just like a regular burn, after the procedure there is swelling of the skin and the patient is given antibiotics to prevent any infection. Failing to take antibiotics and moisturize properly can be detrimental.

Being that the acid used in Deep Peels usually bleaches the skin to some extent, there is an alternative offered to people with darker skin, and that is Salicylic Acid. It has a significant effect on skin cells, and is also used in shampoo. This acid runs the same risks as the others; it just won’t significantly lighten the skin.

Despite the risks if applied correctly a chemical peel can help reduce the visibility of acne, sun damaged skin, age and liver spots, freckles, wrinkles, and irregular skin pigmentation and patches. If you don’t have sensitive skin your skin might be able to benefit from the acids as opposed to harming it more. Just be sure to pick the right doctor, moisturize and stay out of the sun post operation.

About the author

Shevonne Francis

Shevonne is a recent college grad with a Bachelors in Communications and a strong but healthy obsession with all things fashion and beauty. She finds herself writing on her free time, and flipping through fashion magazines.

We all know certain skincare tips for the summer: wear sunscreen, try to avoid the sun in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are the hottest and wear cotton clothing to avoid irritation from a sweaty body. But there are more tips from dermatologists everywhere that can help you avoid some summer skincare woes.

-Before going on vacation, start applying sunscreen nightly for about two to three weeks before you head on that plane. Dermatologists say that the sunscreen builds up and makes you less likely to burn. So skip the myth that going tanning helps reduce burning and load up on some sunscreen instead.

- When choosing sunscreen, make sure you get an oil-free version. Even if it says it is sheer, make sure it also says “oil-free”. Sunscreens with oil in them can clog your pores and make your skin break out and who needs that on summer break?

- If you’re heading for a day at the beach where you will be active all day and possibly swimming, choose a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and has at least 30+ SPF. It will be a thick texture and takes longer to rub in, but it will be very water-resistant and you won’t have to re-apply as often.

- If you do forget the sunscreen and get burned, you will need to get inflammation down as soon as you can.  Use a soothing balm like Miracle Skin Transformer Heal Everything Balm. This will soothe redness and help curb damage. Remember, even one bad sunburn can wreck your skin. If you’re a home remedy kind of girl, soak a washcloth in skim milk and ice and apply to the affected area for five to ten minutes. Then take an anti-inflammatory medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen and apply a hydrocortisone cream.

- For summer, you don’t need that heavy of facial makeup. Trade in your heavy foundations for a BB Cream. Bonus points if it contains SPF!

- Try a spring water facial mist. This may sound unnecessary but these natural minerals will calm your skin and make you look dewy and gorgeous. Try Vichy Thermal Spa Water or La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water facial mists.

- If you tend to get red more often in the summer, simply use a washcloth soaked in ice water and hold in over your face and neck to cool blood flow and in turn, reduce redness.

You may need to exfoliate more often in the summer. Pores can be more pronounced in hot weather and exfoliating helps to reduce the look of pores. Be sure to test your exfoliant before you use it to ensure it won’t irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

- Most dermatologists also recommend a salicylic acid peel twice a month in the summer. It will clear up your dull, dead skin cells, draw out excess oil, even out discoloration and kill bacteria. It will help reduce that shiny look you get in hot and humid weather and tighten the look of your pores.

What are your tried and true tips you bring out for your skin in the summer? Do you have any tips straight from your dermatologist? Do you see a dermatologist? Let’s talk in the comments!

About the author

Lauren Stewart

Lauren Stewart is a freelancer writer from Michigan. She enjoys writing about beauty, health and fitness and also writes for the website, ASKinyourface.com and has a personal blog called Lauren's Thoughts. She is passionate about learning new ways to take control of her health and wellness and is a makeup and skincare junkie! You can contact her by emailing lrstewar@gmail.com.

In the world of skin care there are a plethora of products out there ready to help you cover up, and clear it up. The newest such products on the market are CC creams. Originated in Japan as a step up from BB cream, it is potentially the perfect cross between a very light foundation and a skincare cream.

Some may say there is no difference between the two.  But they are wrong.  BB Cream is considered a Blemish Balm or a Beauty Balm. When it was created in Asia, it was merely a tinted moisturizer with slightly more coverage, and SPF protection. . The mild color coverage made it perfect for those who don’t exactly need foundation but want to cover a blemish whether it be a small pimple or slight discoloration. The keyword here is  “SLIGHT discoloration”.  Considering that, think of CC cream as an upgrade from your basic BB Cream.

CC Cream is known as Color Correction Cream. It offers more flawless skin coverage, easy blending, and actually treats your skin as it is applied. Although most CC creams won’t get rid of your blemishes, Hydroxatone offers an Anti-Acne CC creams to blast those blemishes.  Both creams contain SPF, but CC cream is less oily which is perfect for those who suffer from oil prone skin. CC creams tens to have the more matte finish that many women desire.   When released in early 2012 Most CC creams only had two tones.  Today, there are various brands that are offering the product across all shades.   If you want a BB Cream on steroids, this is perfect for you!

Color Correcting creams have always been missing from the skin care market. Yes, Proactive, prides itself on evening out skin tone, but the product is harsh, bleaches towels, and your face eventually, and its mainly a face wash. The advantage and unique selling point of CC creams is its triple threat features. You can wear it as a light cover up as an alternative to foundation, it contains sunscreen, and its working on your skin while you wear it. It isn’t oily so you don’t have to worry about it running or clogging your pores like your foundation does. If you’re someone who likes your skin and doesn’t want to completely cover it up. CC cream is perfect for you. You can mask your slight imperfection, while working on it all at the same time.

HIERARCHY OF COVERAGE:

TINTED MOISTURIZER<BB CREAM<CC CREAM<FOUNDATION

HIERARCHY OF SKIN CARE:

FOUNDATION<TINTED MOISTURIZER<BB CREAM<CC CREAM

About the author

Shevonne Francis

Shevonne is a recent college grad with a Bachelors in Communications and a strong but healthy obsession with all things fashion and beauty. She finds herself writing on her free time, and flipping through fashion magazines.

Of course you use all the best sunscreens on your face now, being careful to protect your skin from the sun with hats and shade of any kind. However, if you’re anything like me, you weren’t always so careful. As a result of your youthful ignorance about skincare, you may be starting to notice some dark spots on your face that weren’t there before – and they’re not beauty marks, either.

Dark spots, also known as age spots, are officially referred to as hyperpigmentation and are generally caused by sun exposure. They are usually not a sign of a serious medical condition, but always get them examined by a doc to rule out skin cancer. Although these spots can make you and your skin look older, there are some things you can do to brighten up.

Many skin-lightening products contained a chemical called hydroquinone in the past, but the FDA proposed a ban on this substance when it was linked to cancer in rodent studies. Play it safe with a brightening lotion that will fade the dark spots and discoloration with harmless ingredients plus antioxidants to fight off more signs of aging.

About the author

Trina Coccarelli

At the age of 10, Trina was afflicted with the worst acne ever (at least that’s how she felt). After years of taunting and rude nicknames from the campus mean girls, she decided to gain all the knowledge that she could about skincare. When her acne cleared, all those mean girls were running to her to get all the intel on how to clear their own less –than-perfect skin. From that day on, she was acutely aware of the power that she held (insert evil witches cackle here.) Skincare was her ticket to high school domination. In the years following, she built upon that knowledge base and parlayed it into a stellar career in the skincare industry. Trina’s worked for the biggest names in the game. Now, she’s here with the y|b|a team to keep YOU in the know.

Dark spots can appear anywhere on your body. Most commonly,  darkness show up under our eyes. These dark circles can appear because of fatigue, dehydration or genetics. Other dark spots on your face may appear from acne scars, too much sun, use of certain medications or even illness. It doesn’t matter why or where you have these dark spots, you probably just want them gone! There are many products out there that promise to lighten your skin but there are also some natural remedies you can try. Let us know what has worked best for you!

Acidic citrus fruits are your best natural bet for getting rid of dark spots inexpensively and effectively. These citrus juices lighten the skin by bleaching it. Remember as a kid how you would put lemon juice in your hair to lighten it in the sun? It also works on your skin. Try lemon juice, orange juice, pineapple juice or tomato juice on the dark spots on your skin. If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to dilute the citrus fruit juice with water to apply. Don’t forget to spot test a small area of your skin first to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin.

Here are some other natural remedies for dark spots that you can find in your kitchen:

-Mix sour milk, cream and honey and apply to your dark spots for about 10 minutes.
-Mix horseradish juice and warm milk and use it as a face mask. This may smell yucky, but it works for reducing those dark spots.
-Massage Vitamin E Oil on dark spots, especially acne scars.
-Make a paste using rose water in sandalwood powder and apply on your face and neck. You can find these in your local health food stores.

Exfoliating before you apply any remedies can help them work more effectively. If your dark spots are too much for a natural cure to handle, there are more options. Every beauty supply store carries many products for dark spots and dark circles. The best ones include hydroquinone gel, Vitamin C or Vitamin E. You may also want to ask your dermatologist about microdermabrasion or other treatments they can do in their office to help you rid your dark spots faster.

About the author

Lauren Stewart

Lauren Stewart is a freelancer writer from Michigan. She enjoys writing about beauty, health and fitness and also writes for the website, ASKinyourface.com and has a personal blog called Lauren's Thoughts. She is passionate about learning new ways to take control of her health and wellness and is a makeup and skincare junkie! You can contact her by emailing lrstewar@gmail.com.

As the seasons change, we often need to change our skincare routines. When spring and summer roll around, we have to start thinking about unwanted hair. You know the fuzzies that grow on your legs, armpits, bikini area, arms, etc.? So you bust out the razors, shaving gel, waxing kits or epilators and have to deal with stubble, redness, irritation and pain! What’s a girl to do?

First you need to determine the best way to remove hair for each part of your body. You may wax your face and bikini line but shave your armpits and legs. You can mix it up! You don’t need to shave, wax or pluck all parts of your body. So how do you decide what to use and where ?

Shaving Pros and Cons:

PROS:

-Shaving is easy! All you need is a razor and some shaving cream or gel and go to town.
-Shaving is relatively painless. Unless you cut yourself with the razor, shaving is painless, unlike waxing or using an epilator which pulls or plucks the hair out.
-It is the most affordable option. Razors and shaving cream (or you can use soap) are the cheapest of the options.

CONS:

-The obvious con is that it doesn’t last long. If you shave in the morning you may see stubble by the afternoon, depending how thick or dark your hair is.
-If you use an old razor or have a slip of the hand, you can cut yourself or irritate your skin. Shaving frequently can also irritate the skin.

Epilator Pros and Cons:

PROS:

-Hair comes back lighter and thinner if you use it regularly.
-Unlike shaving, it pulls hair out at the root so you won’t have to remove hair as often.

CONS:

-It hurts! Think about tweezing your eyebrows and plucking hairs. Epilators grab hair at the root and pull it out.
-It can be rough on sensitive skin. I know from personal experience, it created red bumps on my skin that didn’t go away for months.
-It can take a lot of time. You need to go over the same spot multiple times and keep using it which can be a time suck.
-Depending on what brand you get, it can be costly but can be more affordable than waxing.

Waxing Pros and Cons:

PROS:

-Waxing lets you go longer periods of time without having hair to remove and it leaves your skin silky smooth.
-Depending on your budget, you can go to a salon and get waxed without having to do it yourself.
-While you can go to a salon, there are also many affordable options for waxing at home.

CONS:

-It can be very painful.
-Home application can be messy or time consuming if you don’t have much experience in waxing.

Tip for Shaving:

Always exfoliate! Exfoliation gets rid of dead skin cells that could get in the way of the razor doing its job.

Tip for Using an Epilator:

Test a spot before you remove the hair on your whole leg or any other area. You will need to see if your skin gets irritated or red first.

Tip for Waxing:

Ask for help! If you choose convenience over money, go to a salon and get it done. If you prefer to do it yourself at home and don’t know what you’re doing, research or ask for tips.

What do you do to remove unwanted hair? Share with us your favorite method and dish with us your personal pros and cons of each method!

About the author

Lauren Stewart

Lauren Stewart is a freelancer writer from Michigan. She enjoys writing about beauty, health and fitness and also writes for the website, ASKinyourface.com and has a personal blog called Lauren's Thoughts. She is passionate about learning new ways to take control of her health and wellness and is a makeup and skincare junkie! You can contact her by emailing lrstewar@gmail.com.

The “French paradox” is a phrase that refers to how French maintain a slim physique in spite of consuming the richest foods on the planet. It turns out, the secret’s in the sauce. While American doctors recommend a glass of wine a day to keep the doctor away, our Frenchie friends imbibe more frequently. The surprising result: Reversing the clock on aging while keeping their pounds in check.

Red wine contains a highly concentrated dose of resveratrol, a polyphenolic flavonoid that’s found in about 70 different plant species. It’s particularly potent in the seeds and skin of grapes, berries and peanuts, too. Even if you fancy yourself a teetotaler, there are lots of ways to get the benefits of resveratrol without the buzz.

Slather on Skincare

Resveratrol is high in anti-oxidants and protects against UVB rays while slowing skin aging. In laboratory tests, resveratrol was actually shown to inhibit tumor progression by causing apoptosis. When applied topically resveratrol can stimulate cell renewal and the production of collagen, elastin and fibroblasts. The result is thickened skin, reduced wrinkles and improved tone and texture for an overall more youthful appearance. Some dermatologic studies also noted that the anti-inflammatory properties of resveratrol make it an effective treatment for patients with exfoliative skin disorders like psoriasis or acne eczema, too. The VineVera skincare line has 10 different collections of resveratrol-enriched products to provide targeted treatment based on the condition of your complexion.

Pop a Pill

Resveratrol dietary supplements are made using a knotweed plant called Polygonum cuspidatum found in Japan and China or from the extract of red grape. They provide all the benefits found in red wine, but without the calories and next-day hangover. Beyond aesthetic benefits, regularly ingesting these supplements can slow down the aging process while supporting cardiovascular function and maintaining blood circulation. They can prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s, diabetes and even inhibit the growth of cancer. One caveat according to WebMD, however, is that typical dosage suggestions are usually 250 to 500 milligrams – far lower than quantities used in research studies, which were conducted through animal testing using two grams, or 2,000 milligrams of resveratrol.

Bite a Bar

Winetime Bar is the first and only gourmet nutrition bar packed with a huge dose of resveratrol. Each vegan, gluten-free treat is just 190 calories with four grams of protein and contains more resveratrol than you’d get by drinking 50 glasses of wine. They are available in two flavors: Chocolate-Raspberry and Chocolate, Dates and Almonds and are enriched with super fruits like acai, blueberry, cranberry, goji berry, mangosteen, noni and pomegranate.

About the author

Tricia Chaves

In spite of being the baby girl of the family with five brothers, Tricia Chaves was never destined to be a tomboy. As a latch-key kid growing up in Cleveland, the corner drugstore makeup aisle was a treasure trove, when she wasn’t in the kitchen or library. With a mom as a manicurist, the salon became an after-school hangout in high school. Still in her teens, she became a Mary Kay consultant and helped women build their confidence by teaching them how to care for their skin and apply cosmetics. Today she works full time as a freelance writer giving tips on her favorite topics: food, gardening, glamour and travel on sites like Tyra Banks’ TypeF, USA Today and the San Francisco Chronicle. With her husband and three Pomeranians, she calls Rio de Janeiro home. In November 2011, Tricia created Cover Look Collection. On her site, she teams up with an esteemed group of celebrity MDs, beauty and style experts to create "How To" guides that help men and women in the real world achieve current magazine cover looks. Tricia and her team of Cover Look Correspondents blog about beauty and fashion with tips and products for living a fabulous lifestyle.

The adult human’s body is made up of about 70 percent water and the therapeutic benefits of H2O go far beyond drinking it. Hydrotherapy, the practice of soaking the body in water for medicinal purposes, dates back to 4500 BC, where ancient bath ruins were discovered in Pakistan. Hydrotherapy was made popular in Europe during the 19th century as a common treatment for illnesses such as pneumonia, anxiety and back pain. Vichy, in particular, originated from Vichy, France where the water is used for its medicinal and healing properties. Appreciation of water for wellness, healing and rejuvenation has always been part of its tradition since Roman times, according to hydrotherapy practitioner and Spa Reveil owner Lidya Wati of Austin, TX, who offered her insights to answer frequently asked questions about hydrotherapy.

Who are hydrotherapy treatments and Vichy showers beneficial to?

Both are beneficial for purposes of rejuvenation and stress reduction, improving blood circulation and enhancing overall well-being.  In addition, the heat from the water stimulates sweating, which helps with the elimination of toxins.  The buoyancy of water reduces body weight significantly thereby easing pressure on muscles, joints and bones.  Because of this, they are great for relieving arthritis pain. Vichy and hydrotherapy have an immediate effect on relaxing the body, calming the mind and hydrating the skin so anyone looking for these results will benefit highly from these treatments.

What are the particular benefits?

Both Vichy and hydrotherapy enhance overall blood circulation, boost immunity, hydrate and improve vitality of the skin, while soothing the nervous system and helping the body detoxify.  They also help relieve muscle aches, pressure on joints and bones as well as alleviate congestion and bronchitis due to the moist heat from the water. The more visible benefits that will take effect quickly include relaxation, hydration and soothing of aches and pressure in the muscles and joints.

Are there any age-reversing benefits?

Since both Vichy and hydrotherapy enhance blood circulation, they benefit the heart, muscles and arteries through increased oxygen, providing vitality and energy.  This vitality along with the relaxing effect of Vichy and hydrotherapy helps in slowing the aging process.  When combined with body exfoliation and body wraps, both the Vichy shower and hydrotherapy allows for maximum product absorption and are great complements for cellulite, mud and seaweed body application treatments all of which contain age-reversing properties.

How often do you recommend hydrotherapy treatments?

I recommend them as often as possible, at least once a week if you can.

Do you have any tips or warnings to consider?

Hydrotherapy is not recommended for pregnant women or those with acute fever, open wounds, skin infections, seizures, vascular diseases or hypotension. Those with open wounds or skin infections are also discouraged from Vichy treatments.

About the author

Tricia Chaves

In spite of being the baby girl of the family with five brothers, Tricia Chaves was never destined to be a tomboy. As a latch-key kid growing up in Cleveland, the corner drugstore makeup aisle was a treasure trove, when she wasn’t in the kitchen or library. With a mom as a manicurist, the salon became an after-school hangout in high school. Still in her teens, she became a Mary Kay consultant and helped women build their confidence by teaching them how to care for their skin and apply cosmetics. Today she works full time as a freelance writer giving tips on her favorite topics: food, gardening, glamour and travel on sites like Tyra Banks’ TypeF, USA Today and the San Francisco Chronicle. With her husband and three Pomeranians, she calls Rio de Janeiro home. In November 2011, Tricia created Cover Look Collection. On her site, she teams up with an esteemed group of celebrity MDs, beauty and style experts to create "How To" guides that help men and women in the real world achieve current magazine cover looks. Tricia and her team of Cover Look Correspondents blog about beauty and fashion with tips and products for living a fabulous lifestyle.

We all use deodorant (or at least, we should be). But are the ingredients in your favorite deodorant hurting you? What is organic deodorant anyway and how is it any different than a conventional and common brand? You may have seen organic or “natural” deodorants sold at health food stores such as Whole Foods, but wondered if you really needed to switch. If you are worried about chemicals in our daily skincare products, such as lotions, face wash, shower gel and deodorant, you may want to think about switching your deodorant too.

Most common deodorants contain aluminum, which helps stop sweating. Aluminum in your deodorant is a neurotoxin and has been linked to DNA damage, harmful effects to the blood brain barrier, and may cause Alzheimer’s disease. While there is not currently enough research to show if you can really get a disease exclusively from aluminum and other chemicals in deodorant, if you’re worried about chemicals or already have cancer or another disease, I would really recommend switching.

Let’s take a look though at a popular organic brand, Tom’s to see just what is in their “natural and long-lasting” deodorant roll-on. No aluminum to be found. Yet one ingredient, called propylene glycol, doesn’t seem any better. It has also been shown to seep into your skin and cause nasty side effects like skin, liver, and kidney damage.

While organic deodorants are great for you, the problem with using organic deodorant is that unlike your regular antiperspirant, it does nothing to stop sweating. Sweating is naturally good – it is your body’s way of ridding yourself of toxins and you need to sweat. But you probably don’t want constant sweat stains on your shirt or to feel uncomfortable, especially in the sweltering summer heat. Organic deodorants only work to fight odor from bacteria, so you will smell fresh but you might get pretty sweaty.

Yet there are some organic deodorants out there that do not contain propylene glycol or any ingredients that may be chemically harmful. So perhaps this battle of organic vs. chemical deodorants needs to be left to the individual. If you find you don’t sweat much and just want something for odor and are worried about chemical intake in your body, try an organic version. You may have to try a few before you find one that you really like that works for you. If you find you sweat more than normal or simply love your deodorant, keep it. Check out the ingredients and compare versions to find the healthiest possible brand.

Yet if you’re still dying for a chemical free alternative that fights odor AND wetness, we found a brand that claims to fight all three. Bubble & Bee Organics has organic deodorant that using natural ingredients to stop odor, but also has arrowroot powder to stop perspiration naturally. For around $9.85 a stick, it runs a bit pricier, but it may be worth a try if you’re very passionate about organic products! They now sell different types of deodorant from creams to sprays to help stop sweat and odor in its tracks without any crazy chemical additives.

My advice: do your research and watch out for brands that contain propylene glycol, aluminum or any other ingredients you cannot pronounce. Try a few versions to see what works best with your body. You may find what works for your friend and keeps her fresh all day may not work for you. Don’t get discouraged if you really want to try going organic but have to try several versions before you find one that keeps you fresh.

Let us know – do you swear by organic deodorant or stick by your old Secret brand?

About the author

Lauren Stewart

Lauren Stewart is a freelancer writer from Michigan. She enjoys writing about beauty, health and fitness and also writes for the website, ASKinyourface.com and has a personal blog called Lauren's Thoughts. She is passionate about learning new ways to take control of her health and wellness and is a makeup and skincare junkie! You can contact her by emailing lrstewar@gmail.com.

In our 30s and 40s, the effects of sun damage and gravity eventually begin to take toll on our complexions in the form of age spots and a loss of supple elasticity. Our necks are no exception.

What are neck cords?
According to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Edward Miranda, who practices both in San Francisco and New York City, our skinnier sisters have a tendency to develop visible bands on the neck that run vertically from the chin to chest, sometimes referred to as cords, around the age of 40 or 50.

How does Botox help?
Miranda says that Botox is an ideal solution if you’ve developed cords that are affecting the smooth silhouette of your neckline. “Botox will reduce the visibility of the bands and improve overall neck contour and appearance. Once the Botox takes effect and the bands are relaxed, the neck looks much smoother,” he says. It can also be used to reduce horizontal neck lines, too.

How does the procedure work?
The process involves applying a series of injections with a small needle into the platysmal muscles of the neck. In total, the injections take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. To avoid pain during the procedure, numbing cream is usually available at your physician’s office. “Ask your treating physician to apply about 15 minutes prior to treatment for maximal effectiveness,” Miranda suggests.

How long does the treatment last?
For continued effectiveness in eliminating your neck cords, it’s necessary to receive Botox injections every four to six months. If you wanted a more permanent solution, the most effective treatment would be a surgical neck lift that would eliminate cords and improve overall neck appearance.

What are the dangers?

As with any medicine or procedure, some side effects are possible. In rare cases, patients can experience weakness of their neck muscles post treatment. Not everyone will see the same results, either. The most common complaint about this treatment is “incomplete resolution” meaning the neck bands are still visible even after Botox is applied.

Because of the skill and precision necessary, you should be sure to choose a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for this procedure.

Beyond Beauty
Youthful pursuits are the only motive for using Botox for your neck.  According to a WebMD report, when combined with physical therapy, Botox injections can help alleviate chronic neck pain, too. It can reduce spasms, and sidestep common side effects associated with taking oral medications.

About the author

Tricia Chaves

In spite of being the baby girl of the family with five brothers, Tricia Chaves was never destined to be a tomboy. As a latch-key kid growing up in Cleveland, the corner drugstore makeup aisle was a treasure trove, when she wasn’t in the kitchen or library. With a mom as a manicurist, the salon became an after-school hangout in high school. Still in her teens, she became a Mary Kay consultant and helped women build their confidence by teaching them how to care for their skin and apply cosmetics. Today she works full time as a freelance writer giving tips on her favorite topics: food, gardening, glamour and travel on sites like Tyra Banks’ TypeF, USA Today and the San Francisco Chronicle. With her husband and three Pomeranians, she calls Rio de Janeiro home. In November 2011, Tricia created Cover Look Collection. On her site, she teams up with an esteemed group of celebrity MDs, beauty and style experts to create "How To" guides that help men and women in the real world achieve current magazine cover looks. Tricia and her team of Cover Look Correspondents blog about beauty and fashion with tips and products for living a fabulous lifestyle.